New York – Around Town : Upper East Side (part 2) – Madison Avenue Boutiques, Restaurants

by

A Day Exploring the Upper East Side


Morning

Start at the
Guggenheim
 and admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s great architectural
achievement before seeing the fine modern art collection. “Must sees”
include Chagall’s Paris Through the Window, Modigliani’s Nude, and Picasso’s Woman Ironing. Stop for coffee at the café on the main floor of the museum before leaving.

Head east along 92nd Street to see two rare
remaining wooden houses, No. 120, built in 1859, and No. 122, in 1871.
Continue east for Gracie Mansion and Henderson Place and rest on a bench with a river view in Carl Schurz Park. One block west on York Avenue, a No. 31 bus will take you to the spectacular
Bridgemarket
. Recharge your batteries at
Daniel
, an elegant French restaurant.

Afternoon

Take the 57th Street crosstown bus back to
Madison Avenue and head uptown, browsing the designer boutiques. Detour
on any of the side streets in the upper 60s and 70s to see the
townhouses of affluent New Yorkers. Pay a quick visit to the
Frick Collection
 then stop for coffee at one of the cafés on Madison Avenue.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art
, a New York “must,” and see Rembrandt’s Self-portrait, Cypresses by Van Gogh, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel studies. End the day with a candlelit meal at
Erminia
.

Madison Avenue Boutiques




  1. Bottega Veneta

    The first in the uptown Madison Avenue boutique line-up, known for luxury leather goods, shoes, and fashion.

    • 635 Madison Ave, between 59th & 60th Sts

  2. Shanghai Tang

    The colorful townhouse home of a well-known Hong Kong retailer, selling luxury fashions and home furnishings.

    • 600 Madison Ave, between 63rd & 64th sts

  3. Valentino

    If you can afford it, join the rich and famous; many of his gowns are worn at the Oscars.

    • 747 Madison Ave at 65th St

  4. Giorgio Armani

    The New York flagship of the Italian master, known for his superb tailoring, offers a good range from his collection.

    • 760 Madison Ave at 65th St




    Giorgio Armani

  5. BCBG Max Azria

    “Bon chic, bon genre, “ (good style, good attitude), is the motto of this hot designer. Fans of his sexy fashions include many young Hollywood stars.

    • 770 Madison Ave at 66th St

  6. Tom Ford

    Off-the-rack
    options at this dual-level store include three-piece suits, dressing
    gowns, and dress shirts in 350 colors. The store also offers customized
    suits and private shopping appointments.

    • 845 Madison Ave

  7. Dolce & Gabbana

    Spot the celebrities at this chic Italian outpost which reopened in 2007 after major renovations.

    • 825 Madison Ave, between 67th & 68th Sts

  8. DKNY

    Donna Karan designs wearable fashions for every lifestyle and occasion.

    • 655 Madison Ave at 60th St

  9. Yves Saint Laurent

    The legacy of the legendary French couturier lingers, with a particular appeal to the young.

    • 855-59 Madison Ave, between 70th & 71st Sts




    Yves Saint Laurent

  10. Ralph Lauren

    The
    1898 Rhinelander Mansion is the backdrop for the king of preppy
    fashion, who spent $14 million renovating the old mansion. Sportswear is
    in a separate shop across the street.

    • 867 Madison Ave at 72nd St


Restaurants

  1. Daniel

    A flower-filled dining room provides the setting for Daniel Boulud’s award-winning seasonal French menus

    • 60 East 65th St at Park Ave

    • 212 288 0033

  2. Ottomanelli New York Grill

    This
    Italian restaurant-cum-steakhouse serves delicious food at bargain
    prices. The cons? The place is small and a little low on ambience.

    • 1424 Lexington Ave at East 93rd St

    • 212 426 6886

  3. Payard Bistro

    Although
    the French food is superb, the drawcard is François Payard’s exquisite
    desserts, such as “New York, New York.” Open for morning pastries,
    afternoon tea, light snacks, and dinner.

    • 1032 Lexington Ave between 73rd and 74th Sts ?e?>

    • 212 717 5252

  4. Café Boulud

    Since
    Daniel opened, Boulud’s original restaurant here has become more
    casual, but the menu and tab are serious. In summer, the terrace tables
    are a fine dining spot convenient for Museum Mile.

    • 20 East 76th St at 5th Ave

    • 212 772 2600

  5. davidburke town house

    Creative New American cuisine, inventively presented, is served in a stunning modern space.

    • 133 East 61st St, between Lexington & Park Aves

    • 212 813 2121

  6. Erminia

    They
    don’t come more romantic than this tiny, candlelit Italian with beamed
    ceilings and a menu of well-prepared classics. A popular choice on
    Valentine’s Day.

    • 250 East 83rd St, between 2nd & 3rd Aves

    • 212 879 4284

  7. Etats-Unis

    Despite the French name, the inventive cuisine is New American and draws a loyal following. The menu changes daily.

    • 242 East 81st St, between 2nd & 3rd Aves

    • 212 517 8826

  8. Orsay

    This chic French café is busy and cozy, serving authentic bistro fare. It also has a Gallic vibe.

    • 1057–59 Lexington Ave at 75th St

    • 212 517 6400




    Orsay

  9. Taste

    Self-serve
    commissary by day, sophisticated ambience by night. The simple style
    allows the flavors to speak for themselves. The wine list provides some
    bargains to accompany the new American cuisine.

    • 1413 3rd Ave at 80th St

    • 212 717 9798

  10. E.J.’s Luncheonette

    A
    family-friendly diner that serves large portions of well-prepared
    American breakfasts. Great pancakes are served all day, along with
    granola and fresh fruit.

    • 1271 3rd Ave at 73rd St

    • 212 472 0600

    • No credit cards



Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards and serve vegetarian meals